Latest news and stories about medical services in health in Portugal for expats and residents.
The external paediatric surgery emergency department at Hospital Dona Estefânia in Lisbon will remain closed until Sunday at 8:00 PM. The clinical director cited a critical shortage of anaesthesiology staff as the reason for the temporary suspension of emergency surgical services.
The National Institute of Medical Emergency (INEM) is evaluating a proposal to end night-time medical helicopter transport as part of a broader restructuring plan. The potential changes include basing emergency services at hospitals and utilizing military aircraft for patient transport.
Minimum services (serviços mínimos) are the legally required basic services that must be maintained during a strike to protect public safety—in healthcare this typically covers emergency care, critical ambulance coverage and intensive care. They matter because the INEM workers' committee admitted that late or unclear communication about which teams would be available during the end-of-2024 strike may have reduced operational capacity and confused patients; as an expat, expect limited non-urgent care during strikes and check official updates or call 112 for true emergencies.
Health sector workers will strike on May 4th and 5th to demand better wages and improved working conditions. The union organizing the stoppage is calling for the restoration of career points and an end to the reliance on excessive overtime and long, continuous work shifts.
The National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS) recorded 3,429 episodes of violence against healthcare professionals in 2025, a significant increase from 2,581 cases in 2024. According to data from the Directorate-General of Health (Direção-Geral da Saúde or DGS), psychological aggression remains the most frequent form of abuse, leading to over 2,000 days of work absences.
ULS Alto Ave is the Alto Ave Local Health Unit (Unidade Local de Saúde do Alto Ave), a public body that runs hospitals and some primary-care services for the Ave area in northern Portugal. It is part of the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS), and recent staff strikes have affected overtime and complementary work, so residents should check local hospital notices before visiting.
The National Institute of Medical Emergency (Instituto Nacional de Emergência Médica or INEM) paid 9.7 million euros to firefighters this Monday, settling debts for urgent patient transport services provided in February. While the Firefighters' League (Liga dos Bombeiros Portugueses or LBP) confirmed receipt of the funds, they warned that another 10 million euros for March is due this Thursday, with the potential for agreement termination still under discussion.
Minimum services (serviços mínimos) are the legally required basic services that must be maintained during a strike to protect public safety—in healthcare this typically covers emergency care, critical ambulance coverage and intensive care. They matter because the INEM workers' committee admitted that late or unclear communication about which teams would be available during the end-of-2024 strike may have reduced operational capacity and confused patients; as an expat, expect limited non-urgent care during strikes and check official updates or call 112 for true emergencies.
The Portuguese Firefighters' League (Liga dos Bombeiros Portugueses) is a national, non-governmental association that represents and coordinates many of Portugal’s fire brigades—particularly volunteer corps—and advocates for training, equipment and fire-safety policy. It frequently engages with government and the media on emergency-response standards and resource needs, so expats should know it can influence local fire services, public safety campaigns and how mutual aid is organised in their municipality.
The Portuguese Navy (Marinha Portuguesa) coordinated the medical evacuation of a 76-year-old American woman from a cruise ship west of the Azores archipelago. The rescue operation, initiated on Friday, resulted in the patient being transported to a hospital in Ponta Delgada for treatment.
The Marinha Portuguesa (Portuguese Navy) is the branch of the Portuguese Armed Forces responsible for naval operations and maritime surveillance. It plays a key role in search and rescue missions, particularly in the Azores and Madeira archipelagos, and protects Portugal's extensive maritime territory.
The National Institute of Medical Emergency (Instituto Nacional de Emergência Médica or INEM) is under scrutiny after its emergency dispatch centre, the CODU, reportedly refused to authorize hospital transport for a 55-year-old blind man. Although the CODU initially dispatched an ambulance from the Arruda dos Vinhos fire department to the Marvila area in Lisbon, it later denied the patient admission to the hospital. Firefighters proceeded to transport the man to the Hospital de São José regardless of the instruction.
INEM (Instituto Nacional de Emergência Médica) is Portugal's national emergency medical service, responsible for coordinating and providing pre-hospital emergency care. It operates the country's emergency medical dispatch system, activated through the European emergency number 112.
INEM deploys ambulances (including basic and advanced life support units), medical helicopters (VMER), and motorcycle response units across Portugal. It also manages the CODU (Centro de Orientação de Doentes Urgentes) — the emergency call centers that triage incoming 112 calls and dispatch the appropriate medical response.
INEM has faced persistent challenges including ambulance shortages, staffing gaps (particularly among emergency medical technicians), and long response times in rural areas. These issues have made INEM a frequent subject of political debate, with calls for better funding, improved working conditions, and expanded coverage. Residents should know that calling 112 connects to INEM's triage system, and knowing your exact location speeds up emergency response.
The CODU (Centro de Orientação de Doentes Urgentes) is the emergency medical dispatch center responsible for coordinating urgent pre-hospital care in Portugal. It operates under the National Institute of Medical Emergency (Instituto Nacional de Emergência Médica or INEM) to assess medical emergencies and dispatch the appropriate resources, such as ambulances or helicopters.
The Directorate-General of Health (Direção-Geral da Saúde or DGS) reported 18,601 pregnancy terminations in 2024, a 5% increase from the previous year. Most procedures were elective, performed within the first ten weeks of pregnancy, with the Lisbon and Tagus Valley region accounting for over half of the total cases.
The DGS (Direção-Geral da Saúde) is Portugal's central public health authority, responsible for setting health policy guidelines, managing vaccination programs, disease surveillance, and public health campaigns. It operates under the Ministry of Health.
The DGS issues clinical guidelines (normas) that health professionals across Portugal follow, manages the national vaccination schedule, coordinates responses to disease outbreaks, and publishes health statistics. It became widely known during the COVID-19 pandemic as the lead agency for public health guidance.
For residents, the DGS is the authoritative source for vaccination schedules, health alerts, and clinical guidance. Its recommendations shape how hospitals and health centers deliver care across the country.
Minister of Health Ana Paula Martins admitted during a parliamentary debate that the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS) faces increased waiting lists and a decline in activity compared to 2025. The minister attributed these issues to seasonal factors and rising demand, while announcing a 50-million-euro investment to renovate emergency departments. Data also indicates that while total emergency visits fell during the winter, the proportion of urgent cases increased.
Ana Paula Martins is a Portuguese pharmacist and politician who has served as the Minister of Health in Portugal since April 2024. A member of the Social Democratic Party (PSD), she was reappointed to the position in the second government of Prime Minister Luís Montenegro in June 2025.
Professional Background
Pharmaceutical Leadership: She served as the President of the Order of Pharmacists (Bastonária da Ordem dos Farmacêuticos) from 2016 to 2022.
Hospital Management: She was the President of the Board of Directors of Hospital de Santa Maria (CHULN) in Lisbon from December 2022 to January 2024.
Academic Work: She holds a PhD in Clinical Pharmacy and has been an assistant professor at the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Lisbon for over 20 years.
Political Career
Government Role: As Minister of Health, she has overseen the implementation of the "SNS Emergency Plan" and recently addressed issues such as INEM staffing and public-private partnerships in healthcare.
Party Leadership: She served as Vice President of the PSD under Rui Rio (2021–2022).
Parliament: She was elected as a member of the Assembly of the Republic representing the Lisbon constituency in 2024.
Hospital de Braga is the main public hospital serving the Braga district and is part of Portugal's national health service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS). It provides emergency care and specialist services including oncology, and recent reports said cancer patients there complained of medicine shortages, so residents should check with their doctor or local pharmacy before appointments.
Dozens of citizens gathered in Setúbal for a public forum organized by the Portuguese Communist Party (Partido Comunista Português or PCP) to demand more doctors and improved services within the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS). Participants criticized the current state of digital infrastructure, noting that the SNS24 app often acts as a barrier to care rather than a solution. The PCP accused the government of neglecting public health facilities while failing to address the shortage of family doctors.
The Portuguese Communist Party (PCP or Partido Comunista Português) is a Marxist‑Leninist party founded in 1921 out of the revolutionary trade‑union and anarcho‑syndicalist movement, becoming the Portuguese section of the Comintern in 1923. Banned after the 1926 coup, it went underground and became a central force of resistance to the Estado Novo dictatorship, organizing clandestine unions, anti‑fascist struggle and supporting the colonial liberation movements. After the 1974 Carnation Revolution, the PCP was pivotal in land reform, nationalisations and embedding social rights in the 1976 Constitution, especially in the Alentejo and Setúbal regions where it has long been very strong.
Today the PCP is a smaller but still influential party rooted in the CGTP trade‑union confederation and local government, holding a handful of Assembly seats and one MEP in the Left group. It advocates a “patriotic and left‑wing alternative”: defence of workers’ rights, public services and national sovereignty, strong criticism of EU and NATO constraints, and support for socialist countries and anti‑imperialist causes.
Family medicine (Medicina Geral e Familiar) is the medical specialty that provides continuous primary care through family doctors who manage common illnesses, chronic diseases and preventive care. In Portugal these specialists are the backbone of the SNS (Serviço Nacional de Saúde); the story notes 57 doctors finished the specialty and 38 stayed in the NHS, giving family doctors to about 77,500 patients.
Minister of Health Ana Paula Martins expects the legal framework for the refounding of the National Institute for Medical Emergency (Instituto Nacional de Emergência Médica or INEM) to be approved by this summer. During a parliamentary inquiry, the minister outlined ten key areas for reform, including changes to the legal status of the institute and new models for emergency telephone triage. The government previously delayed the presentation of the organic law to ensure the final proposal is more comprehensive.
Ana Paula Martins is a Portuguese pharmacist and politician who has served as the Minister of Health in Portugal since April 2024. A member of the Social Democratic Party (PSD), she was reappointed to the position in the second government of Prime Minister Luís Montenegro in June 2025.
Professional Background
Pharmaceutical Leadership: She served as the President of the Order of Pharmacists (Bastonária da Ordem dos Farmacêuticos) from 2016 to 2022.
Hospital Management: She was the President of the Board of Directors of Hospital de Santa Maria (CHULN) in Lisbon from December 2022 to January 2024.
Academic Work: She holds a PhD in Clinical Pharmacy and has been an assistant professor at the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Lisbon for over 20 years.
Political Career
Government Role: As Minister of Health, she has overseen the implementation of the "SNS Emergency Plan" and recently addressed issues such as INEM staffing and public-private partnerships in healthcare.
Party Leadership: She served as Vice President of the PSD under Rui Rio (2021–2022).
Parliament: She was elected as a member of the Assembly of the Republic representing the Lisbon constituency in 2024.
Minimum services (serviços mínimos) are the legally required basic services that must be maintained during a strike to protect public safety—in healthcare this typically covers emergency care, critical ambulance coverage and intensive care. They matter because the INEM workers' committee admitted that late or unclear communication about which teams would be available during the end-of-2024 strike may have reduced operational capacity and confused patients; as an expat, expect limited non-urgent care during strikes and check official updates or call 112 for true emergencies.
A study by the Catholic University of Portugal indicates that nearly 70% of respondents are worried about the state of the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS). Over a third of those surveyed reported needing private health insurance due to concerns regarding waiting lists and emergency response times. Critics argue that despite government pledges to maintain a universal public system, current policies are shifting focus toward private interests.
Staffing and shift schedules in the SNS combine permanent doctors, residents and temporary cover (locums or overtime) arranged by each hospital's Clinical Directorate ("Direção Clínica"), which plans rotas to cover on‑call and emergency shifts. Rotas are subject to national labour rules, collective agreements and local shortages, so hospitals may use voluntary shift swaps, incentives or external contractors when regular staff are unavailable.
The Portuguese Nurses' Union (Sindicato dos Enfermeiros Portugueses or SEP) has announced a national strike for May 12. The industrial action will span the public, private, and social sectors as nurses demand government intervention to address long-standing professional grievances.
The Portuguese Nurses' Union (Sindicato dos Enfermeiros Portugueses) is the main trade union representing nurses in Portugal. It announced a strike for 20 March 2026, which can disrupt hospital routines and appointments in the public health service, so those relying on public care should check services and plan accordingly.
The Independent Doctors' Union (Sindicato Independente dos Médicos or SIM) has reached an agreement with the Ministry of Defence to unblock the career progression of civilian doctors within the Armed Forces. This deal resolves a deadlock that has persisted for over three decades. The Minister of Defence stated that the government is now providing a long-overdue response to the needs of health professionals at the Armed Forces Hospital.
The Independent Doctors' Union (Sindicato Independente dos Médicos or SIM) is a labor organization that represents physicians in Portugal. It frequently negotiates with the government regarding working conditions, salary structures, and public health policy within the national health service.
A new regional gynaecology and obstetrics emergency department has opened on the Setúbal Peninsula, operating across the Garcia de Orta Hospital in Almada and the São Bernardo Hospital in Setúbal. The reorganization follows the permanent closure of the emergency service in Barreiro, a move that faced significant opposition from local mayors and patient organizations. The new department continues to rely on temporary doctors (médicos tarefeiros) to maintain service coverage.
Tarefeiros are temporary workers (trabalhadores a recibo verde) hired on a task-by-task basis to provide services to the public sector. Unlike permanent civil servants, they often lack the same job security and benefits, and their use is a frequent subject of debate regarding labor stability in the national health system.
The General Inspectorate for Health Activities (Inspeção-Geral das Atividades em Saúde or IGAS) has ordered dermatology teams at the Santa Maria Hospital in Lisbon to return over 818,000 euros. The investigation concluded that these payments, made for additional surgeries between 2021 and 2025, were improper. The findings implicate several medical staff, including Miguel Alpalhão, and note that the authorizations were granted by board members serving during that period.
Miguel Alpalhão is a medical professional mentioned in the RTP report about dermatology at Hospital de Santa Maria; the article quotes him in connection with the hospital's request to return undue funds. Those relying on public healthcare should note his comments as part of a wider debate over hospital budgets and service organisation at Santa Maria that could affect dermatology appointments and waiting lists.
Emergency services on the south bank of the Tagus are under pressure as the obstetrics and gynaecology department at Barreiro Hospital closes permanently this Wednesday. Patients are being redirected to hospitals in Almada and Setúbal, while staff at the Garcia de Orta Hospital report that rosters are at their limit. Meanwhile, Luís Duarte Costa has resigned as director of the Amadora-Sintra emergency department, citing the hospital's inability to transfer patients to wards due to a lack of beds.
The government has updated the payment rates for private providers contracted by the SNS to perform diagnostic and therapeutic exams. The Ministry of Health stated the measure aims to reduce access constraints for patients, specifically for ultrasounds and mammograms, and includes the introduction of digital breast tomosynthesis to the list of covered procedures.
Expenditure on temporary doctors, known as tarefeiros, reached 249.7 million euros in 2025, marking a 17% increase from the previous year. The National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS) relies on these contracts to maintain emergency department operations, with the Algarve Local Health Unit reporting the highest costs.
Tarefeiros are temporary workers (trabalhadores a recibo verde) hired on a task-by-task basis to provide services to the public sector. Unlike permanent civil servants, they often lack the same job security and benefits, and their use is a frequent subject of debate regarding labor stability in the national health system.
Luís Duarte Costa has resigned as director of the General Emergency Service at the Amadora-Sintra Local Health Unit. He cited the failure to implement a plan to manage patients permanently admitted to the emergency department due to a lack of hospital beds and social cases as the primary reason for his departure.
Luís Duarte Costa is a medical doctor who serves as the president of the Portuguese Society of Internal Medicine (Sociedade Portuguesa de Medicina Interna). He recently resigned from his position as director of the General Emergency Service at the Amadora-Sintra Local Health Unit due to disagreements over hospital management and patient care policies.
The Braga Hospital, a surgeon, and an insurance company have been ordered to pay 132,000 euros in damages to the parents of a 33-year-old patient who died following surgery. The court ruled that the surgeon failed to address post-operative complications, specifically an untreated abscess, which constituted medical malpractice.
The Inspectorate-General of Health Activities (Inspeção-Geral das Atividades em Saúde or IGAS) is investigating Eurico Castro Alves, the surgery director at Hospital de Santo António in Porto, for allegedly receiving 179,000 euros in irregular commissions. The payments were linked to surgeries performed outside normal working hours under the Integrated System for Management of Waiting Lists for Surgery (Sistema Integrado de Gestão de Inscritos para Cirurgia or SIGIC). While the IGAS report deems the payments irregular, both the doctor and the local health unit maintain that the compensation was legal.
IGAS is the Inspectorate-General for Health Activities (Inspeção-Geral das Atividades em Saúde or IGAS), the government body that inspects and audits public and private health services, investigates complaints and can recommend sanctions or changes. After reported failures in emergency care, IGAS can open inquiries, publish findings and advise the Ministry or the SNS on corrective measures; residents and patients can also file complaints that IGAS may investigate.
The Integrated Management System for Surgery (Sistema Integrado de Gestão de Inscritos para Cirurgia or SIGIC) is a national platform used to manage waiting lists for surgeries within the public health system. It tracks patient wait times and helps coordinate procedures between different public hospitals and private clinics to ensure patients receive care within established legal timeframes.
The Inspectorate-General of Health Activities (Inspeção-Geral das Atividades em Saúde or IGAS) is investigating a doctor from Benavente suspected of charging 1,000 euros to facilitate fraudulent disability pensions. Beneficiaries of the scheme may face criminal charges and be required to return funds received improperly from the state.
IGAS is the Inspectorate-General for Health Activities (Inspeção-Geral das Atividades em Saúde or IGAS), the government body that inspects and audits public and private health services, investigates complaints and can recommend sanctions or changes. After reported failures in emergency care, IGAS can open inquiries, publish findings and advise the Ministry or the SNS on corrective measures; residents and patients can also file complaints that IGAS may investigate.
Approximately 50 people demonstrated in front of the Ministry of Health in Lisbon this Saturday to demand the continuation of obstetric and gynecological emergency services. The protest, organized by the Movement of Users of Public Services, called for increased investment in the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS).
The Alfredo da Costa Maternity Hospital (Maternidade Alfredo da Costa, commonly known as MAC) is Lisbon's principal public maternity facility and one of the busiest maternity units in Portugal's National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde).
Located in central Lisbon, the MAC is a referral center for high-risk pregnancies and complex neonatal care. It handles a large volume of births annually and serves as a teaching hospital affiliated with Lisbon's medical schools.
The MAC has been at the center of recurring debates about maternity ward closures and staffing shortages across Portugal's public health system. Expectant parents in the Lisbon area may be referred to the MAC for specialist care or diverted there when other maternity units temporarily close due to staff shortages.
Patients at the Fernando da Fonseca Hospital in Amadora-Sintra have faced significant delays in the emergency department this week. Despite the end of the winter plan, urgent patients with yellow triage bracelets have waited nearly 13 hours for initial observation, while very urgent cases have faced waits exceeding four hours.
A 42-year-old Belgian nurse was arrested by the Judicial Police (Polícia Judiciária or PJ) on suspicion of sexually assaulting an anaesthetised patient at the Beatriz Ângelo Hospital in Loures. The Nursing Association (Ordem dos Enfermeiros) has requested the suspect's identification from the Public Prosecutor's Office to initiate disciplinary proceedings.
The PJ (Polícia Judiciária) is Portugal's national criminal investigation police agency, founded in 1945. Operating under the Ministry of Justice and supervised by the Public Ministry (prosecutors), the PJ is a "higher criminal police body" specializing in serious and complex crimes. Mission: The PJ assists judicial and prosecuting authorities by investigating terrorism, organized crime, homicide, kidnapping, drug trafficking, corruption, cybercrime, financial crime, and money laundering. It conducts forensic examinations, operates Portugal's Interpol and Europol liaison offices, and maintains specialized units including the National Counterterrorism Unit and National Anti-Corruption Unit. Difference from PSP/GNR: While PSP (civilian urban police) and GNR (military rural police) focus on preventive policing, public order, and investigating minor crimes, the PJ exclusively handles serious crime investigation requiring specialized technical and scientific expertise. PSP and GNR report to the Ministry of Internal Affairs; PJ reports to the Ministry of Justice. PJ officers receive higher pay and prestige but face greater operational risk.
The Ordem dos Enfermeiros (Order of Nurses) is Portugal’s statutory professional body that registers and regulates nurses, sets professional standards, and handles discipline and professional conduct. Its warning about hiring limits matters because the Ordem represents the nursing workforce—restrictions on recruitment can worsen staff shortages and affect patient care, so expat nurses must be registered with the Ordem to practise and may be directly affected by any new hiring rules.
The Independent Doctors' Union (Sindicato Independente dos Médicos or SIM) has expressed significant reservations regarding the government's strategic plan for palliative care for 2025-2026. The union claims the plan lacks a clear impact and has demanded the urgent appointment of a national commission to oversee the sector. SIM representatives argue that the current strategy fails to address the practical needs of the healthcare system.
The Independent Doctors' Union (Sindicato Independente dos Médicos or SIM) is a labor organization that represents physicians in Portugal. It frequently negotiates with the government regarding working conditions, salary structures, and public health policy within the national health service.
Former National Institute of Emergency Medical Services (Instituto Nacional de Emergência Médica or INEM) president Sérgio Janeiro testified that the emergency service constraints during late 2024 strikes were primarily caused by structural human resource deficits rather than the strike itself. Janeiro stated that minimum services were generally met, with only one shift failing to reach required staffing levels due to a reliance on overtime work.
Luís Cabral is the president of INEM (Instituto Nacional de Emergência Médica), the agency that coordinates Portugal’s pre‑hospital emergency services and medical dispatch for 112 calls. In the recent story he said delays were caused by stretchers being held up in hospitals, which can tie up ambulances and reduce the system’s ability to respond to new emergencies.
Minister of Health Ana Paula Martins stated that the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS) is currently providing its most intense response in both quality and quantity. The ministry reported that over 668,000 new users have registered in the system over the last three years.
The Alfredo da Costa Maternity Hospital (Maternidade Alfredo da Costa, commonly known as MAC) is Lisbon's principal public maternity facility and one of the busiest maternity units in Portugal's National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde).
Located in central Lisbon, the MAC is a referral center for high-risk pregnancies and complex neonatal care. It handles a large volume of births annually and serves as a teaching hospital affiliated with Lisbon's medical schools.
The MAC has been at the center of recurring debates about maternity ward closures and staffing shortages across Portugal's public health system. Expectant parents in the Lisbon area may be referred to the MAC for specialist care or diverted there when other maternity units temporarily close due to staff shortages.
The Directorate-General of Health (Direção-Geral da Saúde or DGS) has issued a warning for poor air quality across mainland Portugal through Thursday. The alert is due to dust clouds arriving from North Africa, with authorities advising children and the elderly to take extra precautions.
The DGS (Direção-Geral da Saúde) is Portugal's central public health authority, responsible for setting health policy guidelines, managing vaccination programs, disease surveillance, and public health campaigns. It operates under the Ministry of Health.
The DGS issues clinical guidelines (normas) that health professionals across Portugal follow, manages the national vaccination schedule, coordinates responses to disease outbreaks, and publishes health statistics. It became widely known during the COVID-19 pandemic as the lead agency for public health guidance.
For residents, the DGS is the authoritative source for vaccination schedules, health alerts, and clinical guidance. Its recommendations shape how hospitals and health centers deliver care across the country.
Data from the National Statistics Institute (Instituto Nacional de Estatística or INE) shows that 39.4% of people aged 16 and over in Portugal reported symptoms of generalized anxiety in 2025. This represents a significant increase from the previous year, with women, the elderly, and the unemployed identified as the most affected groups. The report highlights that 11.3% of the population experienced severe symptoms.
INE (Instituto Nacional de Estatística) is Portugal's official statistics office, responsible for collecting, processing, and publishing data on the economy, population, housing, employment, inflation, and social conditions.
Key INE publications include the Consumer Price Index (CPI), quarterly GDP figures, housing price indices, census data, and labor market statistics. These figures are widely used by policymakers, journalists, lenders, and international organizations to assess Portugal's economic and social trends.
INE data is publicly available at ine.pt, where users can access databases, press releases, and interactive tools covering everything from property prices to demographic shifts.
Private healthcare providers now perform nearly 40% of all medical procedures in Portugal, including surgeries and diagnostic exams, according to recent data. The federation representing these private entities describes their role as a structural network that complements the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS). This collaboration includes approximately 150 million procedures contracted annually to support public health capacity.
The Alfredo da Costa Maternity Hospital (Maternidade Alfredo da Costa, commonly known as MAC) is Lisbon's principal public maternity facility and one of the busiest maternity units in Portugal's National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde).
Located in central Lisbon, the MAC is a referral center for high-risk pregnancies and complex neonatal care. It handles a large volume of births annually and serves as a teaching hospital affiliated with Lisbon's medical schools.
The MAC has been at the center of recurring debates about maternity ward closures and staffing shortages across Portugal's public health system. Expectant parents in the Lisbon area may be referred to the MAC for specialist care or diverted there when other maternity units temporarily close due to staff shortages.
One in three patients suffering from depression in Portugal reports experiencing suicidal thoughts or self-harm, according to recent data. Many of these individuals struggle to access necessary care due to limited capacity within the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS) and the high costs associated with private medical treatment.
The Alfredo da Costa Maternity Hospital (Maternidade Alfredo da Costa, commonly known as MAC) is Lisbon's principal public maternity facility and one of the busiest maternity units in Portugal's National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde).
Located in central Lisbon, the MAC is a referral center for high-risk pregnancies and complex neonatal care. It handles a large volume of births annually and serves as a teaching hospital affiliated with Lisbon's medical schools.
The MAC has been at the center of recurring debates about maternity ward closures and staffing shortages across Portugal's public health system. Expectant parents in the Lisbon area may be referred to the MAC for specialist care or diverted there when other maternity units temporarily close due to staff shortages.
João Almeida Lopes, president of the Portuguese Association of the Pharmaceutical Industry (Associação Portuguesa da Indústria Farmacêutica or APIFARMA), warned that medicine prices may soon increase. He cited rising costs for transport and raw materials, alongside international economic pressures, as primary drivers for the potential adjustments.
APIFARMA (Associação Portuguesa da Indústria Farmacêutica) is the trade association representing the pharmaceutical industry in Portugal. It advocates for the interests of companies operating in the sector and engages with government officials regarding health policy and medication access.
Four hospital emergency departments, including obstetrics and paediatrics units, are closed this Saturday according to the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS) portal. The affected facilities include hospitals in Santarém, Abrantes, Portimão, and Torres Vedras. Health authorities advise the public to contact the SNS 24 health line before traveling to any emergency department.
Update: Emergency department closures continue across four hospitals
Latest updates from the SNS portal confirm that the gynaecology and obstetrics departments at hospitals in Santarém, Abrantes, and Portimão remain closed. Additionally, the paediatric emergency unit at the Torres Vedras District Hospital is also unavailable to the public.
The Alfredo da Costa Maternity Hospital (Maternidade Alfredo da Costa, commonly known as MAC) is Lisbon's principal public maternity facility and one of the busiest maternity units in Portugal's National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde).
Located in central Lisbon, the MAC is a referral center for high-risk pregnancies and complex neonatal care. It handles a large volume of births annually and serves as a teaching hospital affiliated with Lisbon's medical schools.
The MAC has been at the center of recurring debates about maternity ward closures and staffing shortages across Portugal's public health system. Expectant parents in the Lisbon area may be referred to the MAC for specialist care or diverted there when other maternity units temporarily close due to staff shortages.
If you need emergency care and a local ED is understaffed, call 112 for life‑threatening situations or contact the national health triage line (SNS 24) for urgent guidance; the operator can direct you to the nearest hospital with capacity or arrange an ambulance. As an expat, also consider local private hospitals or clinics if available and keep your health insurance details and ID ready to speed up admission.
The Executive Directorate has increased the maximum waiting time for very high-priority scheduled surgeries from 15 to 30 days. Health authorities claim this adjustment allows for a greater number of patients to be treated, though the National Medical Association (Ordem dos Médicos) and the National Federation of Doctors (Federação Nacional dos Médicos or FNAM) have expressed opposition to the change. Critics argue the policy facilitates patient transfers to the private sector without strengthening the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS).
The Ordem dos Médicos is Portugal’s professional medical association that registers doctors, enforces ethical rules and can discipline members. It issues formal opinions and can challenge health policies or laws, so its objections matter when a programme like the Waitlist Recovery Programme changes how patients are referred or treated.
FNAM is the National Federation of Doctors (Federação Nacional dos Médicos), a trade‑union and professional organisation that represents physicians across Portugal. It frequently engages in advocacy and legal actions — here it says it will ask the Ombudsman to request a constitutional review because it believes the regional emergency services statute harms doctors' work.
The Portuguese Society of Allergology and Clinical Immunology (Sociedade Portuguesa de Alergologia e Imunologia Clínica or SPAIC) has issued a warning for high pollen concentrations across mainland Portugal from April 3 to April 9. The forecast indicates elevated risks from various tree species, including cypress, pine, and birch, as well as several types of grasses. Residents in the autonomous regions are expected to experience lower pollen levels during this period.
The SPAIC (Sociedade Portuguesa de Alergologia e Imunologia Clínica) is the Portuguese Society of Allergology and Clinical Immunology. This professional organization monitors environmental factors like pollen levels to provide public health data and guidance for patients with respiratory allergies.
The Executive Board of the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS) has rejected recommendations from the SINACC working group to shorten maximum response times for hospital appointments. The new regulations extend waiting periods for priority patients and omit a proposed seven-day triage window, drawing criticism from experts who warn of increased pressure on emergency departments. The SNS board maintains that the new rules are an improvement over previous legislation.
The Alfredo da Costa Maternity Hospital (Maternidade Alfredo da Costa, commonly known as MAC) is Lisbon's principal public maternity facility and one of the busiest maternity units in Portugal's National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde).
Located in central Lisbon, the MAC is a referral center for high-risk pregnancies and complex neonatal care. It handles a large volume of births annually and serves as a teaching hospital affiliated with Lisbon's medical schools.
The MAC has been at the center of recurring debates about maternity ward closures and staffing shortages across Portugal's public health system. Expectant parents in the Lisbon area may be referred to the MAC for specialist care or diverted there when other maternity units temporarily close due to staff shortages.
SINACC (Sistema Nacional de Acesso a Consultas e Cirurgias—National System for Access to Consultations and Surgeries) is Portugal's new digital healthcare management platform replacing the outdated SIGIC system, created in 2004. Approved by the government on October 24, 2025, SINACC became operational in late 2025, with President Marcelo promulgating it on January 8, 2026.
The system is fully computerized, requiring all patient referrals to be electronic, eliminating paper-based processes. Patients can track their position on waiting lists in real time via app, website, or SNS contact center and choose between public, private, or social-sector hospitals when reaching 75% of guaranteed maximum response times for surgery. The platform uses artificial intelligence to identify anomalies—unusual pricing or suspicious list growth—addressing perverse incentives in SIGIC where longer waiting lists generated more additional-surgery revenue.
SIGIC permitted doctors in private/social sectors to refer SNS patients then operate on them in public hospitals. SINACC's strengthened incompatibility regime prevents this conflict of interest. The system also prevents physicians from cherry-picking additional surgeries, eliminating a distortion where hospitals profited from maintaining long queues.
Financed by Portugal's Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR) with €5 million for phase one, SINACC aims to reduce patients exceeding maximum waiting times and increase operational transparency. Implementation delays occurred due to insufficient staff training across health units, though testing in Coimbra, Alto Ave ULS, and Lisbon's Oncology Institute proceeded smoothly. The system represents a major modernization of Portugal's surgical-access governance.
The SNS 24 psychological counselling line (Linha de Aconselhamento Psicológico) has answered 448,000 calls since its launch in 2020. The service is staffed by 170 psychologists and has been available in English since 2022 to support residents and health professionals. Most callers seek help for anxiety and crisis situations, with the service now averaging 430 consultations daily.
If you need emergency care and a local ED is understaffed, call 112 for life‑threatening situations or contact the national health triage line (SNS 24) for urgent guidance; the operator can direct you to the nearest hospital with capacity or arrange an ambulance. As an expat, also consider local private hospitals or clinics if available and keep your health insurance details and ID ready to speed up admission.
The National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS) performed more surgeries and consultations over the last two years, yet many patients still struggle to access care. Waiting lists have grown, and a significant number of residents remain without an assigned family doctor (médico de família). The data suggests that increased hospital productivity has not been enough to offset the rising demand for medical services.
The use of generic medicines (medicamentos genéricos) in local pharmacies saved the state and households over 666 million euros last year. Although this represents a slight decrease from 2024, the National Association of Pharmacies (Associação Nacional das Farmácias or ANF) noted that generics have saved billions since 2011. The pharmaceutical sector expressed concern that rising diesel prices could impact future distribution costs.
The National Association of Pharmacies (Associação Nacional das Farmácias or ANF) is the trade body representing community pharmacies across Portugal and coordinating pharmacy services with health authorities. In emergencies like Storm Kristin, ANF helps track which pharmacies are open, arrange medicine supply and communicate availability to the public.
The Ministry of Finance (Ministério das Finanças) and the Ministry of Health (Ministério da Saúde) announced a 1.23 billion euro injection to pay off debts within the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS). The funds are earmarked for Local Health Units (Unidades Locais de Saúde or ULS) and Oncology Institutes (Institutos Portugueses de Oncologia or IPO) to settle outstanding payments to private suppliers that are more than 60 days overdue. Health Minister Ana Paula Martins stated the measure is intended to ensure the financial sustainability of the public health system.
Ana Paula Martins is a Portuguese pharmacist and politician who has served as the Minister of Health in Portugal since April 2024. A member of the Social Democratic Party (PSD), she was reappointed to the position in the second government of Prime Minister Luís Montenegro in June 2025.
Professional Background
Pharmaceutical Leadership: She served as the President of the Order of Pharmacists (Bastonária da Ordem dos Farmacêuticos) from 2016 to 2022.
Hospital Management: She was the President of the Board of Directors of Hospital de Santa Maria (CHULN) in Lisbon from December 2022 to January 2024.
Academic Work: She holds a PhD in Clinical Pharmacy and has been an assistant professor at the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Lisbon for over 20 years.
Political Career
Government Role: As Minister of Health, she has overseen the implementation of the "SNS Emergency Plan" and recently addressed issues such as INEM staffing and public-private partnerships in healthcare.
Party Leadership: She served as Vice President of the PSD under Rui Rio (2021–2022).
Parliament: She was elected as a member of the Assembly of the Republic representing the Lisbon constituency in 2024.
Health Minister Ana Paula Martins announced that a new regional emergency service (urgência regional) will open in the Setúbal Peninsula on April 15 to improve predictability in care. The announcement followed an incident where a woman gave birth in a hospital parking lot, which the minister cited as evidence that the current model is failing. Martins also admitted that legislative changes are being prepared to reduce waiting times for surgeries, particularly in cardiac specialties.
Ana Paula Martins is a Portuguese pharmacist and politician who has served as the Minister of Health in Portugal since April 2024. A member of the Social Democratic Party (PSD), she was reappointed to the position in the second government of Prime Minister Luís Montenegro in June 2025.
Professional Background
Pharmaceutical Leadership: She served as the President of the Order of Pharmacists (Bastonária da Ordem dos Farmacêuticos) from 2016 to 2022.
Hospital Management: She was the President of the Board of Directors of Hospital de Santa Maria (CHULN) in Lisbon from December 2022 to January 2024.
Academic Work: She holds a PhD in Clinical Pharmacy and has been an assistant professor at the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Lisbon for over 20 years.
Political Career
Government Role: As Minister of Health, she has overseen the implementation of the "SNS Emergency Plan" and recently addressed issues such as INEM staffing and public-private partnerships in healthcare.
Party Leadership: She served as Vice President of the PSD under Rui Rio (2021–2022).
Parliament: She was elected as a member of the Assembly of the Republic representing the Lisbon constituency in 2024.
The National Association of Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (Associação Nacional dos Doentes com Artrite Reumatoide or A.N.D.A.R.) reports that hospital stock shortages are forcing patients to travel long distances weekly to collect medication. Some patients reportedly travel over 100 kilometers to units like the Hospital Beatriz Ângelo because pharmacies cannot provide multi-month supplies. Those relying on specialized hospital medication should check stock levels with their local unit before traveling.
The National Association of Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients (Associação Nacional de Doentes com Artrite Reumatoide or A.N.D.A.R.) is a support group for people with chronic inflammatory joint diseases. It works to improve patient care and recently highlighted cases where patients must travel over 100 kilometers weekly for treatment. Those with chronic conditions should note that such associations provide vital resources for navigating the public health system.
Hospital Beatriz Ângelo is a major public hospital in Loures that serves several municipalities north of Lisbon, including Odivelas and Mafra. It moved to full public management under the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde) in 2022 after previously operating as a public-private partnership. Residents in the northern Lisbon area should be aware that its emergency and pediatric departments often experience high patient volumes.
The National Institute of Medical Emergency (Instituto Nacional de Emergência Médica or INEM) is facing criticism over claims that some staff are operating emergency vehicles without updated driving training. Former officials also allege that a lack of investment and disputes over helicopter service contracts have compromised the quality of care. These internal conflicts led some candidates to refuse leadership roles within the agency last year. Those requiring emergency medical assistance should be aware of potential service delays during ongoing labor disputes.
Minimum services (serviços mínimos) are the legally required basic services that must be maintained during a strike to protect public safety—in healthcare this typically covers emergency care, critical ambulance coverage and intensive care. They matter because the INEM workers' committee admitted that late or unclear communication about which teams would be available during the end-of-2024 strike may have reduced operational capacity and confused patients; as an expat, expect limited non-urgent care during strikes and check official updates or call 112 for true emergencies.
During a parliamentary inquiry, former National Institute of Medical Emergency (Instituto Nacional de Emergência Médica or INEM) president Luís Meira testified that the government was aware of the deadlock regarding emergency helicopter tenders before the 2024 strike. Meira contradicted previous statements by the Health Ministry, claiming he provided multiple solutions that were ignored, leaving the institute without clear direction. Those relying on emergency services should note that the inquiry aims to address long-standing staffing and resource shortages.
Update: INEM seeks nearly €1 million in penalties from helicopter provider
INEM intends to fine Gulf Med Aviation Services 926,000 euros for delays and aircraft unavailability during its temporary contract in late 2025. While the company disputes the legitimacy of the fine, the institute maintains the penalties are necessary to address operational failures in the air emergency service (Serviço de Helicópteros de Emergência Médica). Those relying on public healthcare should note that these penalties relate to service gaps that occurred during a period of transition between providers.
Minimum services (serviços mínimos) are the legally required basic services that must be maintained during a strike to protect public safety—in healthcare this typically covers emergency care, critical ambulance coverage and intensive care. They matter because the INEM workers' committee admitted that late or unclear communication about which teams would be available during the end-of-2024 strike may have reduced operational capacity and confused patients; as an expat, expect limited non-urgent care during strikes and check official updates or call 112 for true emergencies.
Luís Meira is the former president of the National Institute of Medical Emergency (Instituto Nacional de Emergência Médica or INEM), serving from 2015 until mid-2024. His leadership was marked by public debate over staffing levels and the efficiency of the 112 emergency dispatch system. SNS patients should be aware that his recent testimony addresses the long-standing human resource gaps affecting emergency care in Portugal.
The air emergency service is the helicopter network managed by the National Institute of Medical Emergency (Instituto Nacional de Emergência Médica or INEM) for urgent medical transport. It has recently faced fines and operational issues due to delays from private aircraft providers. Residents in rural areas should note that this service is the primary way to reach specialized trauma centers quickly.
Health Minister Ana Paula Martins announced that the government will not meet its goal of assigning a family doctor (médico de família) to every resident by 2027. The minister attributed the delay to a complex situation where new registrations for the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS) are occurring daily, outstripping the recruitment of medical staff. Those relying on public healthcare should be aware that the government no longer has a fixed deadline for universal family doctor coverage.
Ana Paula Martins is a Portuguese pharmacist and politician who has served as the Minister of Health in Portugal since April 2024. A member of the Social Democratic Party (PSD), she was reappointed to the position in the second government of Prime Minister Luís Montenegro in June 2025.
Professional Background
Pharmaceutical Leadership: She served as the President of the Order of Pharmacists (Bastonária da Ordem dos Farmacêuticos) from 2016 to 2022.
Hospital Management: She was the President of the Board of Directors of Hospital de Santa Maria (CHULN) in Lisbon from December 2022 to January 2024.
Academic Work: She holds a PhD in Clinical Pharmacy and has been an assistant professor at the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Lisbon for over 20 years.
Political Career
Government Role: As Minister of Health, she has overseen the implementation of the "SNS Emergency Plan" and recently addressed issues such as INEM staffing and public-private partnerships in healthcare.
Party Leadership: She served as Vice President of the PSD under Rui Rio (2021–2022).
Parliament: She was elected as a member of the Assembly of the Republic representing the Lisbon constituency in 2024.
A new centralized obstetrics and gynecology emergency service (urgência regional de obstetrícia e ginecologia) will begin operating on April 15 across the Setúbal Peninsula. The service will be split between hubs at the Garcia de Orta Hospital in Almada and the São Bernardo Hospital in Setúbal, while the emergency unit at Barreiro will close. Residents in the region should be aware that while emergency services are consolidating, scheduled maternity care will continue at all local hospitals.
National Health Service (SNS) hospitals performed a record 22,000 caesarean sections (cesarianas) in 2025, a 5% increase from the previous year. The highest rates were recorded in the North and Alentejo regions, where a shortage of obstetricians (obstetras) is reportedly influencing clinical decisions. Health officials note that while some cases are medically necessary, the rising trend is a concern for public health standards. Expectant parents using the public system should discuss birth plans with their medical teams early in the pregnancy.
A group of 13 mayors from the Lisbon and Setúbal regions are requesting urgent parliamentary hearings to oppose the centralization of gynaecology and obstetrics emergency departments (urgências). The government plan involves closing local units in Barreiro and Vila Franca de Xira to consolidate services in larger regional hospitals like Almada and Loures. Residents in the affected areas should be aware that local leaders warn these closures will increase travel times and risks for expectant mothers.
Emergency departments (urgências) are hospital units that provide 24/7 unscheduled care for serious injuries and sudden illnesses, using triage to prioritise the most urgent cases. For expats, call 112 for life‑threatening emergencies or use the SNS24 helpline (808 24 24 24) for medical advice; expect long waits in public urgências during busy periods and consider private urgências if you have health insurance and need faster care.
